Seeing the History in the View
Views are a vital part of our historic environment in both town and country. It is important to take a consistent approach to identify their heritage significance and assess the likely impact of development on those views.
LUC wrote guidance to provide a systematic and consistent way of assessing historically important views, to make clear links with the established practice of EIA, clarify English Heritage’s position at planning inquiries and ensure our most cherished landmarks and landscapes are protected for future generations.
Our work started in London, where there is a particular concentration of nationally and internationally significant historic landmarks, iconic views, and intense development pressure. However, the method aims to be applicable in rural, as well as urban, landscapes, and will help in protecting some of our most cherished landmarks and landscapes for future generations.
At an international level, this project responded to UNESCO’s request develop a method to assess the impact of future planning applications on the Outstanding Universal Value of World Heritage Sites.
It was exciting to work on the first guidance that has been produced on analysing heritage aspects of views, plugging a gap which has been the subject of debate at many public inquiries. The project is of value to the wider public, and our environment, by ensuring our most cherished landmarks and landscapes are protected for future generations.
The study won the Landscape Policy Category in the 2008 Landscape Institute Awards.
The guidance is published in English Heritage’s 2011 ‘Seeing the History in the View’
